Tiger LB Wilson tops in the nation

COLUMBIA, Mo. (Missouri Football App) -- The Missouri Tiger starting linebacker junior Andrew Wilson currently leads all of NCAA FBS or Football Bowl Subdivision in forced fumbles. Wilson, originally from Peculiar, Missouri, has forced a fumble in five straight games dating back to 2011.

Wilson leads the nation with 4-forced fumbles through 4-games into the 2012 season. Wilson led the Tiger defense in 2011 with 98-total tackles. He has 22-total tackles so far in 2012 and may have some help from a former Mizzou player, his dad.

Andrew Wilson’s father, Jay Wilson, played linebacker at Mizzou from 1980-1983. Jay Wilson, like Andrew, was a beast-tackler during his time on the Tiger defense. Jay won All-Big Eight honors in 1983 and when he left Mizzou that same year, he was the school’s record holder in total tackles with 323.

Andrew Wilson has played a significant role on the Tiger defense since joining the football team in the 2010 season. Wilson leads the league in forced fumbles but one of his teammates is not too far behind.

Tiger linebacker junior Donovan Bonner is in a 4-way tie for 4th-place. In limited playing time, Bonner has forced 3 fumbles for the Mizzou defense. Mizzou coach Gary Pinkel said Bonner will start Saturday against Central Florida due to starter Zaviar Gooden’s injury.

“Zaviar is a great football player,” said Pinkel. “But like everything else, you lose a good player to injury, you got to have a guy who can come in and fill his spot. Donovan is the guy.”

The forced-fumbles from Wilson and Bonner are paying dividends despite Mizzou’s 2-2 record so far in 2012. Mizzou kicks-off against Central Florida at 11 a.m. on Saturday.